(Springfield--jc) -- People who buy gas in Illinois, pay to park , buy a new car, register a vehicle, smoke or buy things online, will soon be paying more in taxes to the state of Illinois.A slew of tax increases are coming July 1 with the various budget, gambling expansion and public works construction bills lawmakers passed in the final days of session last weekend. Drivers will pay higher taxes and fees. For those who drive about 12,000 miles a year, the doubling of the gas tax from 19 cents to 38 cents per gallon would mean an additional $114 to the state, but that will vary depending on gas mileage. Car owners will also pay $50 more for annual registration. For those buying a new car, the vehicle documentation fee nearly doubles to $300. Smokers will also feel the pinch because there’s an extra $1 per pack tax, bringing the total tax to nearly $3 a pack. Shopping online will also have a sales tax tacked on, in part because of new language passed by the state legislature this session.
PEORIA, Ill. (AP) — A federal judge at the trial of a former University of Illinois student charged with killing a visiting Chinese scholar says jurors should be ready to deliver opening statements mid the middle of next week. Thursday is the fourth day of jury selection at Brendt Christensen's trial in Peoria. Judge James Shadid says the final selection of 12 jurors and six alternates could happen Monday, with openings on Wednesday.
(Gibson City--jc) -- Gibson City leaders are set to consider a special license for Rick’s Recreation Center for the Corn Belt Shriners Golf Event when they meet on Monday night at 7. Planting new trees and working on the downtown planters, and an amendment to Gibson City’s second Tax Increment District also are topics for city officials. Council members will also hear about traffic options as a railroad crossing reconstruction project is set to begin soon. The Gibson City city council meeting comes to order at 7 Monday evening.
(Rantoul--jc) A Rantoul resident will become the commander of the Illinois V-F-W next week. Brad Gould will also be the grand marshall of the local Rantoul Freedom Festival Parade on July 4th in the village. Gould has family ties to the local area, but grew up in Indiana….
Rantoul resident and soon to be Illinois V-F-W State Commander Brad Gould.
(Cissna Park--jc) The Cissna Park community, Illinois State Police, family and friends are mourning the death of a popular state trooper, American Legion member, civic leader and friend. 75 year old Francis Thompson passed away on Wednesday at his home in rural Buckley. Thompson was a member of the Illinois State Police for over 31 years and also a Vietnam war veteran. His funeral is set for 11am Monday at Ash Grove Church in rural Onarga
(Paxton--jc) -- The Paxton Police Department’s shooting range will be open to the public on Saturday from 10am until 1pm. The daily fee is 10 dollars. Those attending are to provide their weapon, ammunition along with ear and eye protection Paxton Police officers will be on hand for safety purposes.
(Washington--ba)-With tension rising between two economic superpowers, USDA’s Gary Crawford
reports on the current state of trade talks between the US and China.
(Springfield--jc) -- A decree from Bishop Thomas Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois on Thursday banned House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton from receiving Holy Communion in the Diocese of Springfield."In addition, Illinois Catholic lawmakers who voted for either of these abortion bills are not to present themselves to receive Holy Communion," according to a news release.
(Springfield--ba) -- Vape shop owners are up in arms over an effort to prevent them from allowing customers to sample products in their stores. The proposed legislation is described by supporters as regulating an unregulated and possibly dangerous industry of electronic cigarettes and vaping products. Adding vaping to existing Tobacco 21 laws would ban vape shops from allowing customers to sample products in their stores. The bill awaits a full vote in the Senate, something that could happen during fall session.
ASHKUM – Illinois State Police District 21 Commander, Captain Don Aaron Harsy, announces the results of Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols held in Kankakee, Iroquois, and Ford Counties on June 4,. These OREPs provided extra patrol coverage for the ISP so officers could focus on saving lives by making sure all vehicle occupants were buckled up. State police handed out 16 seat belt citations and 10 warnings during the patrol
(Paxton--jc) -- It’s townwide garage sale days today and tomorrow in Paxton. Over 100 sales take place around town and nearby in the country. Maps are available at Casey’s locations and Village Pantry in Paxton.
Ashkum, IL. – Illinois State Police District 21 Commander, Captain Don Aaron Harsy, announced today activity and enforcement figures for May 2019. Illinois State Police District 21 Troopers issued 919 citations, 904 written warnings, including 7 DUIs, 132 seatbelt citations, 23 criminal arrests. Troopers also assisted 205 motorists, conducted 204 Motor Carrier Inspections, and investigated 83 traffic crashes. There was one fatal crash investigated by District 21 in May.
(Paxton--jc) The riders made it through the city of Paxton. The Illinois State Police sponsored runners went past the WPXN studios around 1pm on Thursday afternoon. The group started in northern Illinois, stayed in the Kankakee area on Wednesday night and moved through the local area on Thursday. The group is raising money for Special Olympics. The end of the run will be in Normal tomorrow with the opening of the Special Olympic games.
(Paxton--jc) -- The Paxton Emergency Management Agency is looking for dedicated volunteers to join their group Duties include but not limited to traffic control, storm spotting, group activities, also includes meetings and trainings. No felonies or major traffic violations. Must have valid driver license. Look them up on facebook for more information.
(Springfield--ba)-A new World War Two exhibit is now open at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield. The exhibit is called “In This Great Struggle…The Greatest Generation Remembers World War Two.” Museum Executive Director Alan Lowe says it includes interviews with veterans who served during the war.
(Paxton--jc) On the menu at the weekly Paxton IGA cookout on Saturday is Ribeye steak sandwiches, chips and soda. The meal is offered from 10am to 2pm. Money raised goes to the Paxton Emergency Management Agency.
